We are so excited to Bloom into Spring and spotlight one of our favorite families as our May 2016, Pet Family of the month: The Blooms!
Doug and Betty Bloom relocated to Oxford from Memphis and reside in a beautiful cottage home that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale! They chose Oxford for retirement because they loved the small-town charm, but it also offers some big city amenities; white-cloth restaurants, the University, and an art community like none other. They describe Oxford as a Mississippi Oasis. Retired life has remained full and busy for the Blooms. Caring for their “furr-daughter” Hattie and managing a non-profit keeps their days full of love and beauty.
Betty launched Bloom Again Oxford in early 2015. An idea whose seeds were planted in her heart and mind many years ago finally took root here in Oxford. An all volunteer organization that re-purposes flowers from weddings and events into smaller gifts that are delivered to local hospitals, nursing homes, community volunteers, public servants and other residential facilities. At Bloom Again Oxford it’s all about paying it forward with small acts of kindness! (Get involved here https://www.facebook.com/bloomagainoxford)
Betty and Doug adopted Hattie, “The Hat”, from MAGRR- Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue- an all-volunteer, non-profit organization they volunteered with while living in Memphis. (See more at: https://magrr.org) Hattie was rescued from a puppy mill in New Orleans, after years of servitude as a breeder dog. She was placed in a foster home for a short time before being introduced to her fur-ever family. Not long after joining the Bloom family, a news story aired on TV about a litter of puppies being rescued. Hattie heard the puppy squeals, and the concern on her face and in her eyes was palpable. “Not another litter?!,” she must have thought! But little did she know, that the only litter she would ever have to worry about again was that of abundant treats and toys scattered about her new loving home.
When trying to choose just the right name, it was Betty’s brother Charlie who came up with a clever way to let Hattie pick her own name! He suggested writing the narrowed down list of names on pieces of paper, crumble them up into little balls, and toss them in the air all at once. Hattie would then retrieve one of the paper balls, bring it to them, thereby “choosing” her name! Neat, right? It was as if ‘Hattie’ had been her name given all along and answered to it almost immediately.
The Bloom’s have not only made room in their hearts for this beautiful golden lady, they have also made a room on every sofa in the house! Hattie loves to keep her parents company on the front porch swing while they read and she takes in the sights, smells and sounds. She is the ‘Gate-Keeper’ of their community and alerts to all new arrivals. She is very intuitive.
When she’s not relaxing in the sun, she loves to take a stroll around the neighborhood, and as soon as they return back home,.sits next to the treat bowl to receive her reward. Another highlight for Hattie (and Parents too) is the arrival of her personal monthly delivery from her furr-vorite pup ruving company-Bark Box! She instantly rips it open, noses through all the toys and treats, and tears the tags, guts and squeakers from all the toys in a furry-fury! (click here to receive a complimentary BarkBox with a subscription www.barkbox.com/r/HOMEWARDBOUND).
Doug says her most favorite activity of all is riding in his convertible on a sunny day, with her long red hair blowing in the wind, and a wide smile stretched across her face.
There’s no question this pup knows just how lucky she is. She certainly hit the furr-ever-furr-mily jackpot; and the Homeward Bound Team is very fortunate to know this family as well. They bring such joy to our hearts, and it’s our privilege to honor them as May’s Pet Family of the Month!
Dedicated to the loving memories of Ruby, Cocker Spaniel and Moose, Shi Tzu. While they are no longer with the Bloom family, their spirits live forever in their hearts and ours.